The Workstation of a Freelance Journalist: iMacs & iPads

Compared to some users who need a lot of processing power to get their jobs done, freelance journalists, bloggers, and anyone who writes to pay the bills have slightly different needs. They don't need something that's blindingly fast. It's all about integrating different technologies, especially when you are on the go. This is the workstation of a freelance journalist. Read on to find out more.

Roger Ratcliffe is a freelance journalist from the UK. He used to work for BBC Television, but returned to print media and is currently specializing in landscape issues, nature and travel. His nerve center is his home office, like most freelance journalists. He uses Mac computers, from the iMac sitting on his desk, to the iPad and iPhone that he takes with him on assignments.

He recently got a MacBook Air 11 to replace his older laptop. He likes the portability and the fast flash-based storage makes it a perfect companion on the road, when he needs to whip out some articles. It's really interesting to see how he organizes his workflow. He uses some specific programs to manage the way that he writes.

He uses DEVONthink, OmniOutliner Pro, and OmniFocus to organize his writing. DEVONthink allows him to manage and organize different types of information that he uses in his writing. He uses OmniOutliner to brainstorm and to manage ideas. OmniFocus is used to organize his tasks.

Using multiple screens and computers makes it easier to focus when you are writing, especially when you've got multiple windows open. It forces you to concentrate on writing. The MacBook Air and iMac are linked using Teleport. On top of allowing him to use only one keyboard and mouse, it allows him to control the iMac from the MacBook Air over the WiFi network.

The iPad is showing a press release in DEVONthink To Go and the iMac shows interview notes in DEVONthink Pro Office. The MacBook Air is running OmniOutliner Pro. His basic drafts are written on the MBA. His iPhone shows OmniFocus reminders. He finishes the articles on the iMac. The technology is coupled with some Moleskine notebooks for old school note taking.